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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Reading
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$146
Average price
$147
Fastest journey
4 h 17 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
283 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Reading will cost around $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Preston for Reading on Thu, Nov 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 17 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 4 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
07:20AM4h17
Preston11:37AMReading
$1461One-way
0 transfers
04:51AM4h54
Preston09:45AMReading
$1471One-way
0 transfers
07:20AM4h17
Preston11:37AMReading
$1461One-way
0 transfers
04:51AM4h54
Preston09:45AMReading
$1471One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Preston to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €65, and a flight costs an average of €84.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€101 Average price | €75 Average price Cheapest | €159 Average price |
3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Preston to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading trains for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:20 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:18 AM Preston | 4h21 | 10:39 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:20 AM Preston | 4h17 | 11:37 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Reading by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Thu
Nov 06
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
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Wed
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Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Reading run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 3h 47m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 02:24 |
Last train 21:18 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry from Preston to Reading trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry trains will get you between Preston and Reading from $50 (€41). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 17m
Cheapest Price
$84 (€69)
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
FAQs: Trains from Preston to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Reading by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train from Preston to Reading takes 3h 47m and runs 5 per day.
The train journey from Preston to Reading offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the rolling countryside and picturesque landscapes of the North West and the Midlands, though much of the journey also passes through urban and suburban areas.
The distance by train from Preston to Reading is 175 miles (283 km).
The last train from Preston to Reading leaves at 9:18 PM.
The train station in Preston that goes to Reading is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Reading.
There is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Preston to Reading.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
A day trip from Preston to Reading is not feasible as the journey time is 3h 47m. Trains run 5 times per day.
Train ticket prices from Preston to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $50 (€41), while the average price is around $124 (€101).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Reading is by train, with a cost of around $50 (€41).
The first train from Preston to Reading leaves at 2:24 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Reading.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Preston to Reading
Preston
Reading
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Reading.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transit options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
The major train station for arrivals in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your journey to Reading from Preston.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Preston
Most popular train connections to Reading
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